Engine Starting; Stopping The Engine; Moving The Mower With Stalled Engine - HUSTLER Raptor Operator's Manual

6. If the engine fails to stop when:
• the deck clutch switch is up, or
• one or both of the steering control levers is in the
up (out of neutral position), and
• the operator is off the seat, then
• check the function of the seat switch. Replace
the seat switch if it is not operating properly (is
not opening or closing) and if the cause can not
be determined.
If you cannot locate the problem contact your Hustler
Dealer.
The safety interlock system should always
function per steps 4 and 5. If it does not function
properly, correct it immediately. Do not operate
machine without a properly functioning seat
safety switch.

Engine Starting

The mower's safety start interlock system is also designed
to protect the operator and others from accidental injury due
to unintentional engine starting. The engine starting motor
will not engage until:
1. Steering control levers are in the park brake position.
2. Deck clutch switch is in the down (OFF) position.
The safety interlock
disconnected or bypassed. Doing so could cause
the machine to operate unexpectedly resulting in
personal injury.
NOTE: The operator's seat is equipped with a separate
safety switch. If for any reason the operator should become
unseated when the steering control levers are not in the park
brake position (park brake switches are disengaged) or the
deck clutch switch is engaged the engine will stop.
The following steps are the correct procedures for starting
the engine. If difficulty is encountered, contact the Hustler
Dealer in your area.
1. Before starting mower each day, perform daily pre-
operation checking. (See Safety Start Interlock System
section.)
2. Make sure the steering control levers are in the park
brake position and deck clutch switch is disengaged.
Only start the engine from the operator's position.
3. Use the choke, if the unit is equipped with one, when
engine is cold, or if warm engine fails to start within 5
seconds of cranking. Avoid flooding and operate
engine without choking as soon as possible.
4. Set throttle at approximately 1/2 open position.
604220
system must not be
5. Insert key in ignition switch and rotate full clockwise
to engage starting motor. Release key when engine
starts.
IMPORTANT: The engine starter should not be
operated for periods longer than 30 seconds at a time.
An interval of at least two minutes should be allowed
between such cranking periods to protect the starter
from overheating and burn-out.
6. Perform test to make sure safety start interlock
system is operating properly. Refer to Safety Start
Interlock System section.
®
7. Allow the engine to idle a few minutes before
advancing the throttle and/or engaging the deck
clutch.

Stopping the Engine

Use the following procedure to shut the engine off.
1. Place the steering control levers in the park brake
position.
2. Throttle the engine back to low idle, then disengage
the deck clutch. Refer to the Mower Deck Operation
section for more details.
3. Let the engine run at low idle for two minutes.
4. Rotate the ignition key counter-clockwise to the "OFF"
position. Remove the key from the switch before
leaving the mower.

Moving the Mower with Stalled Engine

The bypass valves on the transaxles allow the mower to be
moved if the engine quits working.
Allow the engine exhaust manifold to cool before
engaging or disengaging the bypass valves. The
bypass valve rods are located close to the exhaust
system.
Before moving the unit, pull out on the bypass valve rod
(Figure 3-8) until the notch in the rod hooks over the edge of
the slot. This places the bypass valves in the disengaged
position.
®
Place the steering control levers in the neutral position, to
release the park brakes, so that the mower can be moved.
Do not tow the machine. Move it by hand or use a winch to
load onto a trailer for transporting.
Secure the mower, facing forward, when transporting on
another vehicle. Tie the mower down securely using straps,
chains, cables, or ropes. Both front and rear straps should be
directed down and outward from the machine.
IMPORTANT: Always make certain the two bypass valves
are returned to their operating position before running the
mower following repairs.
3-3 REV U